Polyionenes
(Ion-Containing Polymers)

Properties and Applications

Polyionenes1 are special polyelectrolytes that have onium groups such as quarternary ammonium in the polymer backbone as opposed to charged pendant groups. They are typically synthesized through a Menshutkin reaction of ditertiary amines and alkyl dihalides. A large number of dihalides and ditertiary amines are commercially available which permits the synthesis of a large number of well-defined polyionenes from relative cheap starting materials. 

Like ordinary cationic polyelectrolytes, polyionenes find applications as flocculation agents in waste water treatment, paper making, etc.3 They are very effective due to the high charge density. Other (potential) uses include biochemical and medical applications such as antimicrobials agents.4 In comparison to many low-molecular weight biocides, polymeric antimicrobial agents based on quaternary ammonium groups exhibited higher antimicrobial activity. Many ionenes also exhibit low toxicity and improved chemical stability.5 Principally polyionenes are expected to have similar uses as ordinary cationic polyelectrolytes.

Manufacturers

Brand Names

1The term "ionene", which is the abbreviation for ionic amine, was coined by Rembaum et al. in 19682
2A. Rembaum, W. Baumgartner, & A. Eisenberg, J. Poly. Sci. Part B: Poly. Let., 6(3), 159-171 (1968)

3N, Bicak, U. Tunca, Polymer Bulletin 43, 477–483 (2000)

4Xiang Xu et al., J. Mater. Sci. 48, 1162-1171 (2013)